1.1 This practice provides information for the design and operation of a program to monitor and control on-going stability and precision and bias performance of selected analytical measurement systems using a collection of generally accepted statistical quality control (SQC) procedures and tools.

Note 1-A complete list of criteria for selecting measurement systems to which this practice should be applied and for determining the frequency at which it should be applied is beyond the scope of this practice. However, some factors to be considered include (1) frequency of use of the analytical measurement system, (2) criticality of the parameter being measured, (3) system stability and precision performance based on historical data, (4) business economics, and (5) regulatory, contractual, or test method requirements.

1.2 This practice is applicable to stable analytical measurement systems that produce results on continuous numerical scale.

1.3 This practice is applicable to laboratory test methods.

1.4 This practice is applicable to validated process stream analyzers.

Note 2-For validation of univariate process stream analyzers, see also Practice D3764.

1.5 This practice assumes that the normal (Gaussian) model is adequate for the description and prediction of measurement system behavior when it is in a state of statistical control.

Note 3-For non-Gaussian processes, transformations of test results may permit proper application of these tools. Consult a statistician for further guidance and information.

1.6 This practice does not address statistical techniques for comparing two or more analytical measurement systems applying different analytical techniques or equipment components that puport to measure the same property(s).